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Planning and Preparing for a
a publication
of the
City of Palm Desert
Major Earthquake
As the staggering magnitude of the
Special Edition
Fall 2005
What’s Inside
Planning for an
Earthquake
After the Quake
Survival Supplies
Business Emergency
Planning
Local Emergency Teams
Drop, Cover, Hold On
Fact or Fiction
Apartment and
Mobile Home Planning
Gulf Coast hurricane disasters unfold,
Palm Desert residents probably
wonder “Will we be prepared if a
major disaster happens here?”
By reviewing this special issue
of the BrightSide, you are taking the
first step in being prepared. This
information will assist you in getting
as prepared as possible for a major
earthquake and to let you know that
preparation must be an ongoing
photo credit: Arthur Coleman
process. The City of Palm Desert, our San Andreas Fault
neighboring cities, Riverside County, and California be self-sufficient before the big quake strikes and making
have spent much time and money preparing for sure your supplies are accessible in the days that
follow.
a disaster.
Please review the checklists and tips
However, there are limitations of what can be done
to help you. The best source of help will be yourself. It included in this publication. Be creative and add
is extremely important to realize you may need to be your own ideas. If you have not started planning and
self-sufficient for one, two, or more days. The only way preparing, please start today. Earthquakes are not like
to be truly self-sufficient is hurricanes. They strike without warning and can happen
to take two main actions any time of the day or night. The size of the earthin advance: 1) Plan and quake also is unpredictable. The only known factor
is that the potential size of the earthquake is related to
2) Prepare.
What is the difference the size of the fault line on which it occurs. We live near
between Planning and California’s largest fault line, the San Andreas Fault,
Preparation? Planning for so everyone must be prepared for the largest potential
a disaster is taking the steps earthquake. Statistics show that one is overdue.
The good news is planning and preparing
to imagine what it could be
like when the earthquake is not difficult. Once it is done, all you need
hits, and deciding ahead to do is regularly refresh your supplies and fine-tune
of time what you will do your plans, perhaps each year at Daylight Saving Time.
before, during, and after You may find that being prepared and knowing what
Gary Rosenblum
the quake. Preparation is it takes to survive a disaster makes living in earthquake
City of Palm Desert
Emergency Services
assembling the necessities to country easier.
Manager
Business Emergency
Planning
Businesses of all sizes must plan and prepare for a major disaster.
This
can be simple for small businesses and more complex for larger ones.
Businesses that are part of national or regional chains need to make
sure that Corporate Headquarters understands the potential for an
earthquake disaster at its Palm Desert store or office and provides
resources accordingly. The basics for businesses:
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Direction and Control: Develop a chain of command. Know
who is in charge and organize employees into teams and evacuation
groups. Make sure there are alternates because not everyone will
be present.
Communications: Assess communications from two key points
of view: Business continuity communications and emergency
response communications.
Life Safety: Assess how your employees can protect themselves
during the quake. Assess your facility for special safety or
environmental issues with chemical storage or process risks.
Make sure employees know how to search and rescue, perform
first aid, evacuate safely, and maintain a presence without
electricity, phones, or outside water supplies.
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Property Protection: Establish procedures for fire fighting,
water, process control, orderly shutdowns, control of chemicals,
and secure closure. Identify sources of back up equipment and
supplies. Do not forget protection for both electronic and paper
records.
Community Outreach: Businesses are often asked to assist
local governments because they can be sources of people,
supplies, transportation, and shelter. Plan to provide whatever
assistance could be feasible and establish mutual aid agreements
with local agencies.
Recovery and Restoration: Plan ways to keep your business
running, protect the assets and data, work with suppliers and
customers, and operate with limited resources.
Administration and Logistics: Make arrangements for food,
water, and shelter for employees. Establish back up communications
and records. Document exceptional costs and anything else that
would assist in running the operation after a disaster.
For a detailed Business Emergency Planner, visit
www.fema.gov/pdf/library/bizindst.pdf
Local Emergency
Operations
Palm Desert Police Chief
Steve Thetford
City of Palm Desert’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC will be
activated in the event of an emergency. It is located at the Civic Center and is
staffed by City employees who work in conjunction with Riverside County, and
if necessary, state and federal governments. The activities that occur in the
EOC are setting overall priorities, receiving and processing information,
coordinating between departments and agencies, and establishing
recovery priorities.
Palm Desert Fire Chief
Ignacio Otero
For more information please visit the following websites:
www.cityofpalmdesert.com
www.fema.gov/areyouready
www.usgs.gov
www.cisn.org
When the Earth
Starts Shaking
Best Practices:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reiterates
its long-standing advice for staying as safe as possible during an
earthquake. It’s easy to remember and even easier to do: DROP to
the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other
piece of furniture; HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
Following the spread of a "Triangle of Life" Internet/
Email rumor that contradicts the advice given by FEMA, the American
Red Cross, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
and a number of other agencies about the proper actions to
take during an earthquake, FEMA has been asked for clarification
on its policy. FEMA continues to
advocate DROP, COVER and HOLD
ON as the safest action when the
earth begins to shake.
Research has shown that most
injuries in U.S. earthquakes occur
when people inside buildings
attempt to move to a different
location inside the building or try
to leave. Quickly seeking a place of
safety, such as under a sturdy table
or desk, and moving as short a
distance as possible to that place of
safety, is recommended based on
research.
In the 2003 San Simeon,
California, earthquake, two
people were crushed by
falling debris when they ran from
the building. Studies of the 1979
El Centro, 1987 Whittier, 1989
Loma Prieta, and 1994 Northridge
earthquakes, as well as mounting
evidence from earthquakes outside
the United States, confirm this
pattern of injuries. DROP, COVER,
and HOLD ON reduces the
likelihood of serious injury from
falling objects.
Other recommendations, which are contrary to the DROP, COVER
and HOLD ON advice, have been made by individuals with limited
expertise and questionable credibility. Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD
ON at school, in the office, and other buildings so that when the earth
shakes, you’ll be ready.
Drop!
Cover!
Hold!
FACT
OR
FICTION
You may not be able to receive any assistance from police, fire,
or other government or utility services for three or more days
Fact: Unfortunately this is a fact you need to take into account
when preparing for an earthquake. You may also be without power,
phones, water, and/or transportation for three or more days.
Standing in a doorway during an earthquake is safest
Fiction: In modern frame buildings, the doorways are not stronger
than any other part of the house. It also increases your chances of
being hit hard by a swinging door. However, the doorway is the
safest place in unreinforced masonry buildings.
“Triangle of Life” method of protection
Fiction: This is a dubious concept created by a discredited
publicity seeker amplified by the Internet. All earthquake
authorities agree that “drop-cover-hold” is the best protection
in an earthquake.
The fault cracks the earth open
Fiction: The earth may shake up and down or side to side, the
ground may settle (subside), and sections drop, making it seem
like cracks opening. The earthquake is caused by friction on the
sides of the fault; if it splits apart, there is no friction.
Animals sense earthquakes before they happen
Partial Fiction: While there is no conclusive scientific data,
some animals may sense the first shock wave that travels faster
than the shaking waves. This shock wave arrives a few seconds
before the shaking starts.
Earthquakes happen in early morning
Fiction: The geology of the Earth does not “know” what
time it is, and earthquakes can happen at any time of the
day or night.
Hot and Dry means earthquake weather
Fiction: Weather does not affect the geology in the ground.
California will fall into ocean
Fiction: The California coast west of the San Andreas Fault
is moving northward a fraction of an inch per year. In a few
million years, the Dodgers and Giants will be cross-town rivals
again, but the coastal land mass is not heading out to sea.
Planning for
an Earthquake
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY PLANNING
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Know the safe spots in each room such as under sturdy
tables, desks, or against inside walls.
Know the danger spots including windows, mirrors, hanging
objects, fireplaces, and tall furniture.
Clear beds of potential danger from falling bookcases,
mirrors, framed pictures, sculpture, etc.
Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in case the
lines are damaged, and learn how to make that determination.
It is important that children learn to recite or write their
names, parents’ or guardian’s names, and their phone
number and address at the earliest possible age.
Check chimneys, roofs, and wall foundations for stability.
Make sure your home is bolted to its foundation. Call a
licensed contractor if there are any questions.
Conduct practice drills. Physically place yourself and your
children in safe locations. Show children where to "drop,
cover, and hold."
Learn first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) from
your local Red Cross Chapter or other community organization.
Decide where your family will reunite if separated. Discuss
what to do if an earthquake occurs at night while you are in
bed, during a normal day of school and work, and during
after school or evening social activities. Plan for
communication, transportation, and locations to reunite.
Plan for alternates to take children out of schools or day care
centers should you be unable to get there. Make sure the
schools know your alternates and that everyone is aware of
your communication, transportation, and reuniting location plans.
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. Long distance
service will probably be restored sooner than local services.
Choose an out-of-state friend or relative whom family members
can call after the quake to report whereabouts and conditions.
Remember, do not use the phone immediately after an
earthquake, and make local calls only for emergencies.
MAKE A FAMILY EARTHQUAKE PLAN
Know Your Environment
Safest place in the house:
During an earthquake, stay away from heavy furniture, appliances,
large panes of glass, shelves holding heavy objects, and masonry
veneer (such as the fireplace). The most likely way to be injured in
an earthquake is having something heavy fall on you. The second
most likely is to be cut by broken glass. Usually, a hallway is one
of the safest places if it is not crowded with objects. Kitchens and
garages tend to be the most dangerous.
Also, know the safest place in each room. It will be difficult to
move from one place to another during a severe earthquake. You
cannot run far in a severe earthquake without falling in a possibly
unprotected position. Think about safe, "drop, cover, and hold"
locations within two or three steps of where you are.
Exits and alternative exits:
Always know all the possible ways to exit your house and workplace in emergency situations.
Location of shutoff valves:
Know the location of the shutoff valves for water, gas, and electricity,
and how to operate the valves. If you are not sure, contact your
utility companies. Do not automatically shut off your gas unless you
are sure there is damage to the gas lines; it may be weeks before the
gas company can visit your home to restart your appliances.
Make Special Provisions
Elderly, disabled, or persons under medication:
These people may have difficulty moving around after an earthquake. Plan to have someone help them to evacuate if necessary.
Also, they may need special foods or medication. Be sure to store
enough of these special provisions for several days. People who
require electricity for medical equipment should contact their
utility provider and also consider a portable generator.
Persons who do not speak English:
People who cannot speak English often rely on their family or
friends for information. If they are separated during an earthquake,
they may need help. Prepare emergency cards for them to have
that are written in English indicating identification, address, and
any special needs.
Pets:
After an earthquake, you should be concerned with your own safety
first, but taking care of your pets is also very important. Storing
extra food and water for pets is always a good idea. Keep your pets
in a secure place at home after an earthquake. If you are directed
to an emergency shelter, note that your pets will not be allowed. The
City currently is working with Animal Samaritans and the Coachella
Valley Animal Campus to finalize an emergency pet care plan.
Plan for transportation difficulties:
After a large earthquake, it may not be possible to drive to where
you need to go. Consider this when making your plans. Know how
far the distance is from home, school, work, and how much time it
would take to walk.
Know Community Resources
Police and fire:
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Know the locations of the nearest fire and police station.
Food, water, shelter, and medical care:
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After a damaging earthquake, emergency shelters and
temporary medical centers will be set up in your community.
We cannot tell you in advance where these may be because
we cannot predict the condition of any particular facility or
building after a quake.
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Do not call authorities for information. Instead, listen to
battery operated radios and televisions which will relay the
most up-to-the-minute information.
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The government will establish supply lines for emergency
food and water with the assistance of the Red Cross.
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The Red Cross also will set up distribution centers as soon as
possible after the quake. The exact locations of these
facilities will be announced after they are assessed for
damages and deemed safe.
HOME AND FAMILY PREPARATION
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Community plans:
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Know where to go within walking distance to help your
community after a disaster.
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It may be days before outside emergency assistance arrives.
It is important to help each other.
Community Preparedness
Suggest that local organizations of which you are a member
undertake a specific preparedness program or acquire special
training to be of assistance in the event of an emergency.
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Check with your homeowners association for its emergency
plan. If there isn’t one, strongly suggest that one be developed.
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Organize a neighborhood earthquake preparedness program.
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Conduct preparedness training for neighborhood residents
in first aid, fire suppression, damage assessment, and search
and rescue. Check for the next Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) program in your neighborhood and take the classes.
Develop self-help networks between families and neighborhood
through a skills and resource bank which includes a listing of
tools, equipment, materials, and neighborhood members who
have special skills and resources to share.
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Identify neighbors who have special needs or will require special
assistance.
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Stock emergency supplies at home, at work, and in your car.
Check emergency supply lists to be sure you do not forget
anything.
Prepare duplicate financial and identity papers and store them
in airtight plastic bags.
Stockpile an affordable amount of cash.
Store extra necessary medication. Take into consideration shelf
life and affordability.
Prepare supplies for your pets.
Secure water heater and appliances that could shift enough
to rupture utility lines.
Keep breakable and heavy objects on lower shelves. Assess the
garage for breakable, heavy objects, and chemical or paint
containers on shelves and in storage. Identify which items
might fall and damage a parked car and relocate them.
Secure hanging plants, heavy picture frames, and mirrors.
Keep these objects away from beds.
Put latches on cabinet doors, especially in the kitchen to keep
them closed during shaking.
Keep flammable or hazardous liquids such as paints, pest
sprays, or cleaning products in cabinets or secured on lower
shelves.
Maintain emergency food, water, and other supplies, including
medicine, a first aid kit, and clothing that will last at least three
to five days. When in doubt about how much is enough, store
more supplies than you think you may need. If you store
canned foods, include a manual can opener. See emergency
supply lists.
Consider purchasing “Family Radio Frequency” walkie-talkies
that can provide communications across two to ten miles.
WORK PLACE PREPARATION
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Have neighbors agree to hang a white flag out after the quake if
everyone and everything is okay.
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All the same basic preparation steps should be duplicated
at work.
If your work clothes and shoes are based on appearance and
not utility, have a change of clothes and a comfortable pair of
shoes available in case you need to walk a long distance.
If you own, operate, or manage a business with many
employees, check the Business Emergency Planning Guide
on page 2.
Home
Emergency
Supplies
STORAGE OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Some families prefer to store their emergency supplies in one
location. Choose a place in your home, which would be relatively
safe in time of an earthquake (such as a closet or under a bed). The
perishable supplies will remain stable longer if stored in a cool, dark
location.
One suggested method for storing emergency supplies is to
place them in a large, covered trash container. Plastic containers
come in all shapes and sizes. They are water and rodent proof and
are fairly durable. Be sure the container comes with a securing lid
and preferably on wheels for easy transport.
Following are suggestions on how to store emergency supplies:
Top of the Container
Flashlight, radio, batteries, and first aid kits.
Middle of the Container
Three-day supply of food requiring no
refrigeration. Date all food items.
Bottom of the Container
Bedding, clothing, personal supplies
(toiletries, paper/pencil), fuel & lighter,
hand-operated can opener, personal
documents, cash, and water purification tablets.
SURVIVAL KIT FOR AUTO
Blankets, drinking water, change of
clothes, fire extinguisher, first aid kit,
a manual emergency signal device,
flashlight, prescription medicines, toilet
tissue, whistle, and tools.
WATER
Each person needs a minimum of one gallon of water per day.
However because of our desert environment, it is a good idea to
store up to 10 gallons per person in a cool dry place (that is 2 gallons
per person for 5 days). Do not forget that pets need water too.
Consider purchasing water specifically packaged for emergency
storage which is printed with expiration dates and can usually be
stored safely for several years. Pre-packaged bottled water can be
stored for two years if it has not been unsealed.
Water that is bottled yourself should not be stored more than
a few months before it is replaced, making it a more labor intensive
option of water storage. If you require additional emergency water,
the water in your hot water heater tank or the top tank of toilets can
be used. Purifying your own water should be used as a last resort.
To Purify Water:
The safest method of purifying water is to boil it vigorously
for 1 to 3 minutes.
You can also purify water by adding any household bleach
solution that contains 5.25 percent of sodium hypochlorite. (Most
common bleach solutions contain this amount.) Let stand for 30 minutes.
The following table shows the proper amount of 5.25 percent
solution to add to water.
Amount of Water
Amount of solution to add to:
Clear water
Cloudy water
1 quart – (1/4 gallon)
2 drops
4 drops
1 gallon
8 drops
16 drops
5 gallons
1⁄2 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY
Why?
In an emergency such as a large earthquake, food suppliers such as
grocery stores will probably sustain heavy damage and will not be
open for several days. Roads may be blocked and extended power
outages could occur.
What Should I Do?
Prepare an emergency food supply that will last each individual
several days or up to a week. Use foods that your family enjoys.
Consider canned foods, dry mixes, dehydrated fruit, etc. Try for
a balanced meal approach. Do not forget a manual can opener.
Foods stored in dark, cool areas last longer. Rotate food items from
storage at least once or twice a year to avoid spoilage and to keep
freshness. It may be helpful to write the date on the items the day
they were stored.
What About Foods in Refrigerators or Freezers?
Perishable foods such as milk, meats, etc., that are normally stored
under refrigeration will spoil quickly without it. If still cold, these
foods should be used first. Foods in freezers can last several days
without power if the door is not opened frequently.
What Not to Do...
Do not use perishable foods that have lost refrigeration and have
become warm. Bacteria grow rapidly without refrigeration and may
cause food poisoning.
Do not use canned foods that have been damaged, are bulging,
or leaking.
Do not use food from open containers where broken glass is present
or where household chemicals have spilled.
Do not use unsealed containers or those that have been punctured
by rodents or have rodent droppings.
There are several reputable suppliers of prepared emergency food
supplies for individuals, families, and businesses. Check your local
listings for a distributor near you.
Supplies Needed in an Emergency
Food:
Nonperishable, canned or dehydrated, requiring
minimum heat and water. Remember food for
infants and pets.
Water:
A minimum of two gallons per person per day for
drinking. An additional half gallon of water per
person per day is required for cooking and hygiene.
First aid kit:
Customized, based on family needs.
Include first aid manual.
Flashlight:
Do not forget spare bulbs.
Radio:
Portable type.
Spare batteries: For flashlights and radios.
Fire
extinguisher: ABC multipurpose type.
Prescription
medicines:
Keep extra supply on hand;
note expiration dates.
Can opener:
Manual type.
Matches:
Waterproof type or dipped in wax.
Knife:
Sheath or pocket type.
Tools:
Pliers, screwdriver, crescent wrench, shovel, wire,
broom, etc.
Plastic bags
with ties:
Assorted sizes for waste disposal, storage of
personal items, etc.
Rope:
Polyethylene type preferred.
Sterno or other
brand of
heating fuel:
For food preparation. Note: Fumes from charcoal are
especially deadly – cook with charcoal only outdoors.
Blanket:
One per person, made of woolen material.
Gloves:
Work type of durable material.
Eyeglasses:
Keep an extra pair of prescription glasses in a
safe place.
After the
Quake
You Survived the Quake...What next?
Expect aftershocks. Some may be as large
as the original quake.
Try to locate everyone who was in the
building.
Check yourself and those around
you for injuries. After everyone in your
house is accounted for, check on your neighbors.
Use first aid at home, unless the injury is significant and the
patient can be moved. If seriously injured, then attempt to
travel to a medical facility.
Immediately check your home for significant damage, the
smell of gas, water leaks, and smoke. Should you find cracks
in walls and ceilings, this does not automatically mean your
house is unsafe. If you feel your building is unsafe, slowly
and carefully leave. Consider whether or not there is time to
take your emergency supplies with you.
Do not use an elevator, even if the power is on. Use the stairs
after checking that they are safe (use flashlights at night).
Watch for downed power lines and broken lamps that are
mixing with water or liquids.
Check your phones. Old-fashioned, direct plug in phones
may work without external power source. If you can get
a dial tone, call your emergency contact OUTSIDE the area
and leave a brief message. Plan to have all family members
call the same out of town number.
Open closets cautiously: Contents will have shifted and may
fall on you when you open the door.
Clean up spilled chemicals and medications as quickly as
possible, especially if you have pets.
Watch pets carefully. Many dangerous things are now at
pet level, especially glass.
Use a battery operated radio or television to find out information
on shelter, first aid, medical care, and
police and fire service activities. Remember
your car radio is battery operated too.
Do not use candles.
Run portable generators outside only.
Do not use charcoal or gas grills inside.
Apartment
& Mobile
Home Plan
A major earthquake can damage apartment complexes
and mobile home parks, and can injure or kill residents.
The following steps should be taken by owners or
managers:
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Consult local building codes to ensure that your
building meets current seismic safety standards.
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Develop an emergency plan for your building or
mobile home park. This plan should include
measures for storing water and food, obtaining
first aid training, appointing floor or area leaders,
conducting drills, and other such activities.
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Encourage mobile home residents to better secure
their homes by leaving wheels on homes rather
than removing them, installing structural support
bracing systems and securing the coach’s awnings.
(A list of state certified bracing systems is available
from the State Department of Housing and
Community Development.)
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Provide tenants with information on how to secure
furniture and other household items. Also provide
them with information on what to do during and
after an earthquake.
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Encourage tenants to develop individual family
plans for shutting off damaged utilities, reuniting
family members and evacuation, if necessary.
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Identify residents with special needs such as mobility
impaired, non-English speaking, elderly, or hearing
and sight impaired. Make sure their needs are
addressed in your emergency plans.
Organize teams that are responsible for first aid,
search and rescue, communications, and firefighting.
Compile a list of resources and skills available
among your tenants.
Provide tenants with a white flag or some other
distinguishable sign to be posted after an earthquake,
symbolizing that no one in the apartment
or mobile home has suffered serious injuries.
Practice earthquake drills in your complex or park.
Organize a meeting at which a local emergency
and disaster planner can provide information on
earthquake preparedness.
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US Postage PAID
Palm Desert, CA
Permit No. 160
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
phone 760/ 346-0611
fax 760/ 340-0574
e-mail: [email protected]
Web sites: www.palm-desert.org
www.cityofpalmdesert.org
n
Buford A. Crites
Mayor
ECRWSS
Resident and/or Business
Palm Desert, CA
Jim Ferguson
Mayor Pro Tem
Jean M. Benson
Richard S. Kelly
Robert A. Spiegel
n
Arnold Palmer
Honorary Mayor
SPECIAL
EDITION
Planning and Preparing for a
Major Earthquake